New Skoda Superb variant launched!

The new Bharat Stage IV (BS IV) norms have come into effect from the 1st of April, 2010. Since much before this, several firms upgraded or replaced their existing models with ones that would be BS IV compliant. Some firms also decided to leave their vehicles BS III compliant, making them unavailable in BS IV cities. In order that the Skoda Superb remains BS IV compliant, the Czech firm launched a new variant of the car in place of its existing variant.

The car will now be powered by a 1.8L TSI Petrol engine mated with a manual transmission system. The car will come with a price tag of Rs. 18.28 lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi) which makes it cheaper by Rs. 1.5 lakh. The new engine is reportedly believed to return a fuel efficiency figure of about 13.14 kmpl.

Skoda Auto India Senior General Manager (Sales and Marketing) Ashutosh Dixit said, "Ever since the launch, the New Superb has won the hearts of over 3000 customers and acquired the No. 1 position in the D Segment, bagging 6 prestigious automotive awards in 2010. The addition of the 1.8 TSI manual transmission to the current range will offer a wider choice to our customers and also allow us to introduce our newest technologies into the Indian market."

Since the car boasts of a MT (manual transmission) system, it will be able to deliver complete engine performance along with an enhanced driving experience. For its range, this addition to the Skoda Superb is first of its kind. the car will be available in a varied choice of colours including Candy White, Black Magic, Diamond Silver, Rosso Brunello and Cappuccino Beige.

Several cars to be phased out due to BS IV norms

The Bharat Stage IV (BS IV) emission norms will be applicable from the 1st of April, 2010. However, the entry of the BS IV norms has marked the exit of various old car models including the Skoda Octavia, Fabia (petrol) and Chevrolet Tavera. Maruti had taken the decision of not upgrading its Maruti 800 to suit the BS IV norms after which Skoda has decided to do the same for a few of its car models including the Octavia and Fabia (petrol). The Octavia’s 1.9 TDi Pumpe-Duse engine along with the Fabia petrol engine will be spared from being upgraded to the BS IV requirements making it face the similar fate of the once-legendary Maruti 800. These cars will now not be available in 13 cities across the country.

The Tavera from Chevrolet’s stable too is ready with its bags packed to bid good bye to all the BS IV cities. The MPV contender’s 2.5-litre diesel engine will not be upgraded by the firm to meet the BS IV requirements which will make the car unavailable in BS IV cities.

 

However, all the four cars mentioned above will be available in the showrooms of BS III cities across the country. Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Surat and Agra are a few amongst the cities which will bear the BS IV emission norms from the 1st of April.

Skoda sales up

Skoda reported almost 100% increase in sales compared with the same time last year.